Comic-Con’s Past
Eisner at Comic-Con One of the most revered creators in the history of the comics medium, Will Eisner also played an important role in the history of Comic-Con. He was first a guest in 1975 and returned frequently over the years, becoming a regular annual guest starting in 1988, the first year of the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Every year he was on stage to greet the presenters and recipients and to shake their hands when they made their way up to the podium. Many Eisner Award recipients had Will sign the back of their awards, making it an unofficial tradition. One year Jeff Smith and Kurt Busiek, worried that Will was spending too much time standing on stage during the long ceremony, arranged to have a throne hidden backstage. Once Will was introduced, they came running out with the throne for him to sit on. Alas, the throne remained empty for the rest of the night, as Will was the kind of person who just couldn’t sit down! Will also instigated Comic-Con’s creation of the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, acknowledging the important contribution retailers make to the comics industry. The award started in 1993; since then 24 comics retailers from around the world have been recipients of the honor. Although Eisner died in 2005, Comic-Con continues to celebrate his life and career every year. This year, as a major motion picture based on his signature character, The Spirit, is readied for the big screen by another prominent comic creator, Frank Miller, it seems particularly fitting that we remember his larger-than-life presence at Comic-Con and emphasize how much he is missed. For more info on Will Eisner, visit www.willeisner.com
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Eisner with Gil Kane at Comic-Con in 1975.
48 Comic-Con Magazine • Spring 2008
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